Job Description

UPP is a leading investor and provider of student accommodation and University infrastructure, working in partnership with universities to provide a service that includes the financing, design, build, management and operation of residential student accommodation and academic buildings. We have over 35,000 rooms across 15 university partners, and have invested over 3.5billion in the sector. The business is structured as a REIT with 22 Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) within which university properties are held. The SPVs are the core of UPP's business model and will contain large multi-million-pound capital projects as well as complex funding and debt structures.
FP&A is a sub-function of the Finance team and reports into the CFO. The team are responsible for business partnering, financial budgeting and forecasting, performance reporting, business modelling and providing financial analysis and insight.
Within this team we have a Fixed Term Contract opportunity for a Head of Finance Business Partnering who will be accountable for the design and execution of optimised reporting, budgeting, forecasting, associated financial analysis and knowledge management processes. Providing financial and commercial support to the Executive team and other managers; influence decision-making; improve the understanding of business performance; develop and deliver on business unit strategy; provide analysis and insight on opportunities and decisions that have a financial impact.
The role will manage a team of two finance business partners within FP&A and will also have individual accountability for supporting all SPV related activity. The SPVs are the core of UPP's business model and will contain large multi-million-pound capital projects as well as complex funding and debt structures. Having a detailed understanding of how each contract is structured will be critical, as well as building and maintaining strong relationships with both the Partnerships and Asset Management leaders and their teams.
This hybrid role is based at our award-winning offices in London near Cannon Street and London Bridge stations. This role is covering maternity leave with a start date of early July for a 9-month period.
We are looking for you to have a numerate degree and have an accountancy background with business partnering or FP&A experience, preferably in the Real Estate, Student Accommodation, PBSA / Project Finance sectors, along with:Experience effectively leading a team of business partners or FP&A analysts in a medium-sized enterprise or an equivalent sized division within a large-scale enterprise Worked directly with Executives to compile annual budgets, long and short-term forecasts Experience of working on and executing high value projects or transactions, with direct accountability for advising on financial and commercial decisions Advanced financial and commercial acumen and proven ability to apply judgement, knowledge and intellect to achieve successful business outcomes Experience providing finance support for large capital or cost reduction programmes Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, demonstrated through working alongside executives on strategic financial matters and numerous examples of providing financial direction to different seniority levels to advance business performance High initiative and commitment levels with an in-built ambition to add value to businesses through the delivery of quality outputs and results Strong commerciality with an inquisitive mindset and the ability to influence and persuade key stakeholders to drive financial performance and projects forward Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and ability to present confidently Previous experience of working with a REIT or SPV structure is highly desirable

In return, we are offering a competitive salary with a great benefits package which includes 29 days holiday per annum (pro-rata) plus bank holidays, pension, life assurance, training, two paid volunteering or personal development days a year and cycle to work scheme.
UPP welcome all applications and recognise the value of having a diverse and inclusive culture, which reflects the communities we work with and has a positive impact on our people, our student residents, and our university partners.
We understand all disabilities, impairments and conditions are unique, so please advise us of any adjustments which will support you through our recruitment process and also help you to thrive at work.
Our core values of Innovation, Sustainability, Community, Partnership and Respect, are fundamental to our culture and summarise what is important to our business and our people.
We are a team with energy, pace and passion; if that sounds like you, apply today.